PODCAST · society
Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism
by Andrew Pledger
Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The monthly podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated churches, camps, and day schools. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university and its impact on American society. This show is a continuation of the limited series "Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult.” Join my Patreon for bonus episodes and other exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger My Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links/ Hosted on Acast. See <a sty
Episodes
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Episodes Coming 2026
Host Andrew Pledger thanks listeners for their support and announces changes for the next season. The podcast will shift its focus to exploring how controlling systems disconnect us from ourselves, their impact on our minds and bodies, and the path to recovery and reconnection. Andrew encourages...
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Klandamentalism w/ Dr. Camille Lewis
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Dr. Camille Lewis about her new book 'Klandamentalism.' The conversation delves into the historical and contemporary ties between Christian fundamentalism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism connected to Bob Jones University. They discuss…
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The Old and The New Promise w/ Erin Burchwell
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger interviews Erin Burchwell, who delves into the broken promises of Bob Jones University, particularly focusing on the 'Old Promise', an endowment fund meant to support long-time faculty in their retirement. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggles of...
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Finding Freedom w/ Kate
In today's episode, Kate shares her journey from being raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement to becoming an accidental advocate and activist. She discusses her experiences with emotional and spiritual abuse, her formation of the Blue Shirt Coalition in support of sexual…
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Mental Health and BJU w/ Elizabeth
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger talks with Elizabeth, a survivor of Bob Jones Academy and University. They discuss Elizabeth's struggles with mental health, the stigma surrounding it in fundamentalist Christian environments, and specific incidents that highlighted the emotional and...
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Speaking Out: Protesting Jim Berg w/ Eleanor Skelton
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger welcomes Eleanor Skelton, an advocate for awareness about abuse in homeschooling and restrictive religious circles. Eleanor shares their experiences growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, their family's attempts to shelter them by...
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From Silence to Protest: Do Right BJU w/ Chris Peterman
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger interviews Chris Peterman, a Bob Jones University alum and activist who led the Do Right BJU movement. Chris shares his experiences growing up in fundamentalist Christian environments, his realization of his sexual identity, and his awakening to the problems...
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Perverted Justice w/ Shielagh Clark
In this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Shielagh Clark, a survivor of abuse tied to Bob Jones University and an affiliated church. Shielagh shares her harrowing journey of abuse beginning at age 15, and how she was failed by both the school and her church community. She details her...
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Confronting Shame: Women and Mental Health in Fundamentalism w/ Rebekah Knauf
Host Andrew Pledger explores the impact of Christian fundamentalism, particularly at Bob Jones University (BJU), by interviewing of Rebekah Knauf, a survivor who attended and graduated from BJU from 2015-2018. Their discussion covers numerous topics, including restrictive religious environments,...
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Finding Home: Navigating Neglect and Abuse w/ Stephanie
In this episode of Beyond BJU, host Andrew Pledger interviews Stephanie, who shares her experiences growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church pastor’s family. Stephanie reveals her struggles with spiritual, physical, and emotional neglect and abuse, detailing the severe...
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Breaking the Silence (GRACE Report Interviewee) w/ Sheri Cotuna
In this powerful episode, Sheri Cotuna shares her harrowing experience of sexual abuse while a student at Bob Jones University and the subsequent mishandling of her case by the university administration. Sheri is featured in GRACE's investigation report of Bob Jones University. In the episode…
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Season Finale/Update
In this clip, I announce a break and the outsourcing of editing for recorded episodes of season two. I express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and listened, especially the courageous survivors who shared their stories. I appreciate your continued support on Patreon to expedite the...
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10th Anniversary of the GRACE Report - Uncovered Berg "Counseling" Materials
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Grace Report, which investigated Bob Jones University's mishandling of sexual abuse claims. In this episode, I share previously unreleased audio files that reveal the harmful ‘counseling’ by Jim Berg. These files were originally tapes that were given to…
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Trump Presidency: A Cult Survivor's Perspective w/ Andrew Pledger - IndoctriNation Podcast
In this special episode of the Indoctrination podcast, host Rachel Bernstein discusses the aftermath of the election with Andrew Pledger. They share their initial reactions and delve into the impact of the election results on survivors of high-control groups. The conversation explores the…
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Discovering My Queer Identity - Lane White
In this episode, Lane White, a transgender individual and a former BJU student, shares his journey of self-discovery. Lane recounts his upbringing in a Baptist household, his experiences at BJU, and the challenges of conforming to its strict rules. He discusses navigating gender identity, coming…
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Just A Number - Jay Cozzini
Jay Cozzini shares his journey from an isolated upbringing in Alaska to attending Bob Jones University. Jay offers an insider perspective on the culture at BJU and recounts experiences of exploiting loopholes in their strict rulebook. He reveals the challenges faced as a Calvinist student…
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Never Good Enough - Daisy
In this episode, I welcome Daisy back and she delves into her harrowing experiences at BJU and the Wilds Christian Camp. Daisy recounts instances of religious indoctrination, physical and emotional abuse, and the manipulative control tactics employed by the institutions. She bravely shares the...
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Dorm Counselor’s Confessions: The Reality of BJU Life - Amanda Koth
In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Amanda Koth a former dorm counselor at Bob Jones University (BJU). Amanda shares her journey from growing up in a conservative Baptist community to her experiences at BJU as a resident assistant (RA), eventually transitioning into her role…
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A Well-Trained Wife - Tia Levings - Special Episode
In this episode I speak with Tia Levings, who bravely shares her journey of escaping Christian patriarchy and introduces her memoir, 'A Well-Trained Wife.' We discuss her traumatic experiences in fundamentalism and her courageous path to freedom. Tia also delves into the broader implications of...
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Part 4. Exposing The Wilds: Uncovered Counseling Booklet - Tabitha Frady
In part four, Tabitha Frady and I conduct a deep dive into the Wild Counseling Notebook from 2016, uncovering the toxic teachings and ideologies of The Wilds. We meticulously dissect its contents, including the camp's mission statements, core values, and abusive counseling methods. The discussion...
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Part 3. Exposing The Wilds - Tabitha Frady
Part three continues to bring to light the disturbing realities within The Wilds, a Christian camp associated with Bob Jones University. Through the testimony of Tabitha Frady, the episode divulges the camp's inadequate handling of sexual abuse reports, favoring biblical counseling over...
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Part 2. Exposing The Wilds - Tabitha Frady
In part two, Tabitha Frady returns to recount her experiences at Bethany Baptist Church and its affiliated Christian camp, The Wilds, in North Carolina. Starting work at the camp at 14, Tabitha endured grueling work conditions, poor nutrition, and inadequate compensation. The discussion reveals…
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Part 1. Exposing The Wilds: Bethany Baptist in Brevard - Tabitha Frady
In part one, Tabitha June Frady recounts her harrowing experiences growing up in the church-cult Bethany Baptist Church in Brevard and working at the Wilds Christian Camp in Brevard, NC. Regarding the church, she describes the authoritarian control, emotional and physical abuse, and isolation…
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Is Education Really Indoctrination? - Rachel Bernstein LMFT, MSEd
In this episode, I talk with Rachel Bernstein LMFT, MSEd who is also a cult specialist and the host of the IndoctriNation Podcast. In this discussion, Rachel aims to define the subtle line between education and indoctrination. I also dig into my own experiences to explore the subtle tactics used…
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Unseen, Unheard: An Autistic Student's Journey at BJU
In this episode, we dive into the experiences of Daisy, who was raised in the IFB movement and is a stay-at-home daughter. She was forced to attend BJU in 2008, right after the death of her best friend. Despite her plea to take time off to grieve, she was pushed into an environment where she was...
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Deconstructing Preacher's Daughter - Sarah Caton
Sarah Caton, a young preacher’s daughter growing up in a small Mormon town in Utah is beginning to doubt her faith. Highly observant, and stubborn, Sarah tends to see and point out inconsistencies which keeps getting her in trouble, especially in church. But ultimately, the very traits she thinks...
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Unpacking Purity Culture and Fundamentalism - Rebecca Worthington
In this episode, Rebecca Worthington shares her personal journey, from her upbringing as a Freewill Baptist, and to her years at Bob Jones University. She provides a candid account of the expectations and pressures she faced growing up, and the impact of purity culture and fundamentalism. Rebecca...
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I Never Belonged - Mary Hubbard
In this episode, we delve into the life of Mary Hubbard, who shares her experiences growing up at Dyer Baptist Church in the IFB movement. Dyer Baptist is an offshoot of FBC Hammond Baptist Church. She also shares her experiences attending BJU. She discusses the controversial events that led to…
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Surviving Five Cults - Special Episode - Ashley Easter
Ashley Easter is a cult survivor turned survivor advocate. She is the founder of Courage 365, a non-profit for abuse survivors (especially those abused in faith contexts) and a television producer focused on highlighting stories of meaning and mission. She is also an intuition life coach...
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Breaking Free: Surviving Cult Control and Seeking Justice - Dan Parsons
Today, we're joined by Dan Parsons, a former student and staff of Bob Jones University. Before BJU he attended North Love Baptist Church. A church with its own scandals. This church also started the Christian IFB addiction program called Reformers Unanimous (RU). I highly recommend listening to…
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Uncovering The Independent Fundamental Baptist Movement (IFB) - Eric Skwarczynski
Eric Skwarczynski is a versatile media professional with a passion for storytelling. Over the past 7 years, he has held various roles, including videographer, photographer, writer, and graphic designer, leading him to explore over 20 states and 13 countries. His mission revolves around shedding...
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BJU's Sixth President Is...
On May 7, 2024, Bob Jones University declared the appointment of their sixth president. Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Social Media:...
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Escaping The Grips of Coercive Control - Leah Worley
Leah Worley’s time at BJU was marked by an invasive surveillance regime and a suffocating culture of authoritarianism. Targeted for her appearance, she found herself under constant scrutiny, with every aspect of her identity dissected and judged under the unforgiving lens of the university's…
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Betrayed Trust - Joshua Bellis
In this episode, we delve into the experiences of Joshua Bellis, whose family was intricately entwined with Bob Jones University (BJU). He shares his experiences of growing up as a missionary kid in Canada. His parents were missionaries with the Gospel Fellowship Association, a mission agency...
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Missions Teams, Mount Calvary Baptist in Greenville - Erin Burchwell
In this episode, Erin Burchwell shares stories about her travels with BJU's missions teams. She also discusses her upbringing in Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville. Erin Burchwell is a Columbus, Ohio-based florist, designer and illustrator. She grew up as a faculty kid on the campus of…
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Reading the GRACE Report - Andrew Pledger
CONTENT WARNING: sexual abuse and victim blaming - Read the full GRACE Report here: https://www.netgrace.org/bju In this episode, I read some highlights of the GRACE Report of BJU. In this updated episode, I add some of the recommendations section. The GRACE report is a 301-page report on the...
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Growing Up at BJU, GRACE Report - Erin Burchwell
Erin Burchwell is a Columbus, Ohio-based florist, designer and illustrator. She grew up as a faculty kid on the campus of Bob Jones University. In 2014, Erin interviewed with GRACE, an independent ombudsman who reviewed the University’s mishandling of sexual assault reports. She and others chose…
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Family Relationships, BJU's Control - Andrew Pledger - IndoctriNation Podcast
This is an episode I did with the IndoctriNation Podcast which is hosted by Rachel Bernstein LMFT, Cult Specialist. Listen to the IndoctriNation Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Andrew Pledger is a content creator, activist, and writer who uses social media to share his...
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Part 2 - Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star - Rich Merritt
Rich Merritt is an author, attorney, and LGBTQ+ activist who has led a remarkable life. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to fundamentalist Christian parents. He was in the Bob Jones school system from first grade through the university. He attended Bob Jones University for two years and...
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Part 1 - Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star - Rich Merritt
Rich Merritt is an author, attorney, and LGBTQ+ activist who has led a remarkable life. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to fundamentalist Christian parents. He was in the Bob Jones school system from first grade through the university. He attended Bob Jones University for two years and...
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FIVE Facts BJU Does NOT Want You To Know - Dr. Camille Lewis
Dr. Camille Lewis attended BJU in the 90s, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She joined the faculty at BJU and completed her Ph.D. from Indiana University. In 2007, she left BJU after being given an ultimatum: either resign or permit the BJU daycare to spank her…
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Teachings, Theology and Heresies of BJU - Dr. Camille Lewis
Dr. Camille Lewis attended BJU in the 90s, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She joined the faculty at BJU and completed her Ph.D. from Indiana University. In 2007, she left BJU after being given an ultimatum: either resign or permit the BJU daycare to spank her…
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In The Beginning There Was BJU (History) - Dr. Camille Lewis
Dr. Camille Lewis attended BJU in the 90s, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She joined the faculty at BJU and completed her Ph.D. from Indiana University. In 2007, she left BJU after being given an ultimatum: either resign or permit the BJU daycare to spank her…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The monthly podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated churches, camps, and day schools. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university and its impact on American society. This show is a continuation of the limited series "Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult.”
Join my Patreon for bonus episodes and other exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger
My Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links/
Hosted on Acast. See <a sty
HOSTED BY
Andrew Pledger
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism have?
Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism about?
Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The monthly podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated...
How often does Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism release new episodes?
Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism?
You can listen to Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism?
Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism is created and hosted by Andrew Pledger.
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